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Posted on: January 12, 2018

Improved Flood Forecasting For Santa Fe River Residents

LIVE
OAK, FLA., Jan. 12, 2018 – The Suwannee River Water Management District
(District), in partnership with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, FL
and the Southeast River Forecast Center in Peachtree City, GA are increasing
flood forecast services to residents in the Santa Fe River Basin to help improve
high water level predications and flood preparedness.

Effective February 1, 2018,
three new forecast points will help provide flood forecasting and warning
protections for an additional 50% of the entire Santa Fe River basin.
Water levels along the Santa Fe River and its tributaries are capable of
dramatic rises, particularly during and immediately after tropical rainfall
events. At the High Springs gage during Hurricane Irma in 2017, the river
rose almost 17 feet from pre-storm levels, while the Worthington Springs gage
rose 16 feet. These gauges will provide more accurate information about rising
water during heavy rain events.

“Hurricane Irma showed us the
need for increased information and forecasting along the Santa Fe River. These
gauges will increase our ability to inform residents of potentially damaging
river levels so they can take action to protect themselves, their residences and
belongings,” said Tom Mirti, Director for the District’s Division of Water
Resources.

Stakeholders and residents
are invited to a public informational meeting regarding the new forecast points
on January 18, 2018 at the High Springs Historical Museum, located at 120 NW
2nd Avenue in High Springs, FL. The meeting
will begin at 6:30 p.m. At the meeting, information will be provided on the
following:

Discuss and learn how recent adjustments to river modelling allow for forecast services on the Santa Fe River,

Provide input for flood stages to be implemented at the three new forecast points,

Learn how future events will be handled by the National Weather Service and Suwannee River Water Management District using these new forecast services.

Generally, the river rises
slowly enough that life-threatening situations can be avoided with proper
precautions. However, during a hurricane or tropical storm in the Santa Fe River
water levels can rise 10 feet or more within 48 hours. Consequently, planning is
required to ensure public safety and move valuables from flood-prone areas
before access roads become impassable.

The
mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage
water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the
needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature,
water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15
surrounding north-central Florida counties.

For more information
about the District, visit www.mysuwanneeriver.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, search @SRWMD.